From July 2010 to March 2011, 158 eligible families were turned away
from Fairfax County's shelter for victims of domestic violence, Artemis
House, due to a lack of space.

Within the past year, 35 percent of Fairfax families who were homeless
said the cause was domestic violence.

On Friday, August 26, the Fairfax County Commission for Women will
observe Women’s Equality Day by pledging to renew its efforts to empower
women and girls, and to call attention to women’s continuing efforts
toward full equality.

In addition to researching affordable housing options for victims of
domestic violence, the Commission is also collaborating with George Mason
University's Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education to provide
breast cancer education and awareness. In October, a Breast Cancer
Awareness Month reception will be held along with a proclamation release
from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Women’s Equality Day was designated by Congress in 1971 at the request
of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY). The date, August 26, was selected
to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution,
which granted women the right to vote in 1920. This year marks the 91st
anniversary of the amendment.

Established in 1971, the Fairfax County Commission for Women has been an
active voice for women and girls in areas such as domestic violence,
educational equity, and progress in the workplace. The Commission
meetings are open to the public. See the schedule and locations.

To learn more about the Commission for Women, its members, current
projects and opportunities to help, please visit the Fairfax County Commission for Women's web page or contact the
Commission’s liaison, Sandy Bromley, at
703-324-9494, TTY 711.

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Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of
disability in all county programs services and activities. Reasonable
accommodations will be provided upon request. To request this information
in an alternate format, call 703-324-5870; TTY 711.